Tallahassee, Florida — Florida’s use of the death penalty has accelerated sharply in 2025, reigniting national debate over fairness, transparency, and political influence in capital punishment. The July execution of Edward Zakrzewski, an Air Force veteran convicted of killing his wife and children in 1994, marked the state’s ninth execution of the year and underscored concerns raised by legal experts and advocates about how death sentences are imposed and carried out.
Zakrzewski’s case has drawn attention in part because nearly half of his sentencing jury favored life imprisonment, citing his military service and severe mental distress. Under Florida law at the time, only a simple majority was needed to impose death. That standard has since changed, with current law requiring at least an 8–4 jury vote, a threshold Zakrzewski likely would not have met. His widow, who asked not to be named, said the execution devastated her and questioned whether capital punishment serves justice or public safety.
Advocacy groups say Florida’s pace now averages an execution roughly every 16 days, the fastest since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Governor Ron DeSantis, who alone signs execution warrants, has faced criticism for offering little explanation for clemency decisions. Critics also point to racial disparities and denied DNA testing in several cases, arguing the system risks irreversible errors. Supporters counter that swift enforcement honors victims and deters violent crime. As Florida continues its record-setting trajectory, the debate shows no signs of easing.
Sources:
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Death Penalty Information Center – Unrated
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